“You look tired.”

The most annoying sentence known to womankind.

Especially when you’ve had your 8 hours, drank your lemon water, and even rolled your face with that fancy rose quartz tool.

So, what gives?

Dark circles are one of those beauty concerns that feel extra unfair.

You’re doing everything right, but those under-eye shadows still make you look like you haven’t seen daylight since 2021.

The good news? You’re not powerless. Here’s the truth about how to get rid of dark circles under eyes — with actual solutions, not just makeup band-aids.

Let’s Talk About Why You Even Have Dark Circles

Before we get to how to get rid of dark circles under eyes, let’s break down the “why.”

1. Genetics: Thanks, Mom. If your skin is naturally thin or has less fat under the eyes, it can make blood vessels more visible.
2. Lack of Sleep: Yes, it’s real — but not the only cause.
3. Dehydration: Your under-eyes are the first to show it.
4. Allergies: Constant rubbing or congestion = puffiness and discoloration.
5. Blue Light Overload: Staring at your phone or laptop 12 hours a day? Guilty.

Knowing the cause is the first step to knowing how to get rid of dark circles under eyes in a way that actually works for you.

18 Beauty Hacks On How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles Under Eyes

1. Use a Caffeine-Infused Eye Cream

Think of caffeine as your under-eye espresso shot. It constricts blood vessels, reduces puffiness, and energizes tired-looking skin.

Look for eye creams that list caffeine as a top ingredient — and bonus points if it has a cooling metal applicator.

Why it works: Caffeine minimizes that bluish tone under your eyes by improving circulation and shrinking dilated capillaries.

2. Apply Vitamin C in the AM

If you’re serious about learning how to get rid of dark circles under eyes, Vitamin C should be in your cart, stat.

This antioxidant brightens hyperpigmentation, fades discoloration, and protects skin from free radicals (aka stress and pollution).

Use tip: Apply a lightweight Vitamin C serum under your eyes in the morning before moisturizer and sunscreen.

3. Layer Niacinamide at Night

Vitamin B3 (aka niacinamide) is a brightening powerhouse that helps even out skin tone and fade darkness over time.

It’s especially helpful if your dark circles are due to pigmentation (common in deeper skin tones).

Pro tip: You can layer niacinamide over retinol or under eye cream. It plays well with most actives.

4. Chill Your Eye Products

Here’s a beauty hack that feels like luxury on a budget: keep your eye cream in the fridge.

Applying a cold formula de-puffs instantly and helps reduce inflammation.

Bonus: Cold constricts blood vessels, which means those blue/purple shadows under your eyes look less obvious.

5. Use a Peptide-Infused Eye Cream

Peptides help stimulate collagen, which thickens the delicate skin under your eyes and makes veins less visible.

The result? Less hollowing, less darkness, more bounce.

If your dark circles are due to aging or thin skin, this is a must-have in your routine.

6. Try a Color-Correcting Concealer

This isn’t a long-term solution, but it’s game-changing for immediate results.

If your dark circles lean blue or purple, use a peach-toned or orange-toned corrector underneath your concealer.

Why it works: Color theory. Peach cancels out purple and blue, giving you a clean, even base.

7. SPF Every. Single. Day.

This tip doesn’t sound sexy, but it’s one of the most important. Sun exposure makes hyperpigmentation worse — and that includes under-eye darkness.

Use an SPF 30+ around the eyes (yes, you can!) or opt for an eye cream with built-in sunscreen.

8. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

If you’re waking up with extra puff or darkness, your sleeping position could be the culprit.

Try sleeping with an extra pillow under your head to prevent fluid buildup overnight.

Hack: A silk pillowcase also helps reduce friction and skin stress.

9. Ice Globes or Cold Spoons for Puffiness

If your circles are worsened by puffiness, cold therapy is a lifesaver.

Gently rolling ice globes or even chilled spoons under your eyes can depuff and revitalize tired skin.

Do it daily for a quick wake-up ritual that also boosts circulation.

10. Tackle Allergies + Sinus Congestion

Surprise: your dark circles might not be a skincare issue at all.

Allergies and sinus issues can cause blood to pool under the eyes, leading to a dark, bruised appearance.

Hack: Try an antihistamine if allergies are chronic, or use a neti pot for sinus drainage. (Of course, talk to your doctor first.)

11. Stay Hydrated (But Actually)

Dehydration makes skin look dull and thin, making dark circles stand out more.

Aim for at least 2–3 liters of water daily — and don’t forget your hydrating skincare, too.

Hydrating MVPs: Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane in your under-eye products.

12. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Yes, this sounds basic — but it’s a game-changer. Constant rubbing can break tiny capillaries and worsen pigmentation.

If your eyes itch, use drops. If your makeup won’t budge, double-cleanse gently.

Hack: Keep micellar water and cotton rounds by your bed. Lazy girl–friendly and effective.

13. Add Retinol to Your Routine (Gently)

Retinol thickens skin over time and boosts collagen, which means less transparency and fewer shadows.

Use a gentle, eye-safe formula and start slowly — just 1–2x per week.

Must-follow rule: Use SPF the next morning or risk more pigmentation.

14. Eat Iron-Rich and Antioxidant Foods

Low iron levels can lead to paleness and worsen the appearance of under-eye veins.

Add more leafy greens, beans, and iron-rich foods into your diet.

Glow up tip: Think spinach, sweet potatoes, salmon, and berries. Beauty from the inside out.

15. Limit Salt and Alcohol

Yes, your 2 a.m. ramen cravings and that extra cocktail could be part of the problem.

Excess sodium causes the body to retain water, leading to puffiness and bloating — especially under the eyes.

Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates your skin and makes dark circles more pronounced.

Glow up tip: Cut back on salty snacks and hydrate before and after a night out. Your under-eyes will thank you.

You might want to check out – 35 Glow Up Tips Every Girl Needs To Know

16. Take Screen Breaks

Blue light doesn’t just mess with your sleep — it also contributes to eye strain and fatigue, both of which show up under your eyes.

If you’re staring at a screen all day (same), follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

This tiny habit = major impact on digital eye fatigue and tension-related dark circles.

17. Invest in Blue Light Glasses

Wearing blue light glasses isn’t just trendy — it’s smart skincare.

These glasses help reduce digital eye strain and prevent that tired, shadowy look that happens after hours of scrolling or Zoom calls.

Bonus: They double as a cute accessory and make you look extra put together during work calls.

18. Know When It’s Genetic (and Own It Anyway)

Sometimes, no matter how many serums you try, the darkness lingers. That’s because some dark circles are hereditary — and that’s okay.

In these cases, opt for supportive products (like color correctors and brighteners), stay hydrated, and focus on confidence.

Beauty isn’t about erasing every flaw — it’s about knowing you’re still that girl, even with a little shadow.

Still Wondering How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes? Here’s the Bottom Line.

There’s no shame in under-eye bags. Everyone has them — even that influencer with the perfect lighting and five filters.

But if they’re making you feel less confident, now you know how to get rid of dark circles under eyes — realistically, safely, and sustainably.

So go ahead, girl. Ice those spoons, sip your water, pat in that serum, and block that ex who’s stressing you out. That glow? It starts beneath the eyes.

And most importantly? Be gentle with yourself. We all have tired days. But now you have the tools to wake up brighter — from the inside out.